How to Choose the Right Oral Surgeon

When it comes to choosing an oral surgeon for you or your child, there are a few things you’ll want to consider before making a decision. One of the first steps is to consult your dentist and see if they have any recommendations. It’s also useful to consult your dentist before visiting a surgeon, as certain conditions and painful symptoms may not require an oral surgeon at all, and can be fixed with temporary devices such as tmj splints and mouthguards to alleviate your pain. But if your dentist recommends that you visit a surgeon, the next step is to find one that accepts your insurance. Even once you’ve narrowed down the field, there are still a few things you’ll want to consider when finding the best oral surgeon. Take a look at these FAQs to help guide you towards the best provider. 

What Do I Need an Oral Surgeon For?

The most common oral surgery is wisdom teeth removal. Most adults, at some point between age 20 and 30, will need to have their wisdom teeth removed. Our jaws usually don’t contain enough space for our wisdom teeth, so in the incoming molars can become impacted and cause pain or long-term side effects. It’s important to get wisdom teeth removed before the issue worsens. Besides wisdom teeth, other oral surgery practices include cleft lip and palate surgery, TMJ issues, or reconstructive surgery following an injury.

I’m Getting My Wisdom Teeth Out. What Should I Expect from my Oral Surgeon?

Getting your wisdom teeth out can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you have a fear of the dentist or needles. Knowing what to expect from your oral surgeon before going into a consultation can help. Plus, it’s the perfect time to screen the oral surgeon and see if they’re someone you’d like to work with. An oral surgeon is legally required to tell you what might go wrong during your surgery, so you can a great sense of their bedside manner! A poor bedside manner doesn’t mean someone is a poor surgeon, but if you’re already anxious about having your wisdom teeth removed, it might help to go with someone you’re comfortable with. Overall, you can expect to get a sense of your surgeon’s personality during your consultation.

What Should I Look for in an Oral Surgeon?

Besides bedside manner, there are a few things you should look for when choosing the best oral surgeon for you or your child. Take advantage of the internet and look up reviews. Sometimes people can leave bad reviews for inconsequential reasons, so if you’re scared by that one-star, make sure you read the whole review. The oral surgeon may merely be “rude”–and if that’s not a problem for you, then it doesn’t have to be a deterrent. If you’re looking for wisdom teeth removal, you should go with an oral surgeon who specializes in that area. The same goes for reconstructive surgery or dental implant surgery.

We often don’t give as much care as we should to choosing a healthcare professional. When it comes to your oral surgeon, don’t just take the first recommendation and run with it. From Wichita, KS to Southbridge, MA, the right oral surgeon is out there, ready to help you with all of your needs.

Related:
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Four Tips for Keeping Your Teeth in Perfect Condition
Looking For a Dentist-What To Look For